What we did in class today: We worked on our research for the PERFECT FOOD FEAST. The assignment is described in the Google classroom.

What to do if you missed class today: Be sure to finish the research portion of the Perfect Food Feast. We will be working on the Google slides portion next week.

Tuesday, May 22nd

What we did in class today: We learned about the connection between different food crops and the amount of water necessary to produce those crops.

What to do if you missed class: Copy the notes of a classmate. You can definitely use this information for the final Perfect Food Feast project.

Monday, May 21

What we did in class today: We chose our criteria for the FINAL FOOD project and started thinking about what we would prepare for the May 30th event.

What to do if you missed class today: Go into the Google classroom. Open the PERFECT FOOD FEAST document – the one with the crazy smiley face on the top. Complete the table with red font on page two of that document. Then you should be OK when we return to this project on Wednesday.

What we did in class today: We looked at the pros and cons of organic farming.

What to do if you missed class today: In your notebook, label the next section – Pros/ Cons of organic farming. Go to the link below and fill out the table. You will need the information for your final project.

What to do if you missed class today: Watch the film below. Describe the causes of climate change, some of its effects, and things we can do about it. Show Mr. Jamsa.

Tuesday May 8 – Wednesday, May 9th

What we did in class today: We looked at the signs and consequences of climate change from the EPA web site.

What to do if you missed class today: You can start doing the activity listed on the web page – SIGNS AND CONSEQUENCES OF CLIMATE CHANGE. The end goal is to make the legal-sized poster. It is a major assignment, so make sure you take the time to do it right. Contact Mr. Jamsa if you have any questions.

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Monday, May 7

What we did in class today: We started taking notes about the carbon cycle from Dr. Art’s Guide to Science.

What to do if you missed class today: You will have to find some time outside of class to finish taking those notes when we work on this study guide again.

What we did in class: We showed a model of the food pyramid by developing the food pyramid dance.

What to do if you missed class: Make sure you have your notes from Thursday. Today’s activity supported that lecture. Otherwise, there is nothing to make up.

Thursday, May 3rd – Career Day

What we did in class today: We recorded notes on food miles – the pros and cons – and then summarized a TED Talk about how to improve education.

What to do if you missed class today: Copy the notes of a classmate. Those notes will be important for the final project.

Wednesday, May 2

What we did in class today: We learned about why the food pyramid is in the shape of a pyramid. The answer has to do with thermodynamics and is one important reason why eating less meat is in general environmentally more friendly for the planet.

What to do if you missed class today: Copy the notes of a classmate. They are important for your final project.

Tuesday, May 1

What we did in class today: We learned about how complex the world food production and delivery system is by examining all of the components of a jar of Smucker’s Strawberry jam.

What to do if you missed class today: Obtain a US map from Mr. Jamsa and copy the notes of a classmate. Ask Mr. Jamsa if you have any questions.

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Monday, April 30th – Early Release

What we did in class today: For those who have not finished their GMO SPOC paper, they had time to complete it today. Everyone else watched another segment of Apollo 13.

What to do if you missed class today: Remember there is a homework assignment due Friday under the HOMEWORK link. Otherwise, there is nothing to make up if you have your SPOC paper done.

What we did in class this week: We are reviewing the SPOC method of persuasive writing and being assessed on our ability to use it as we write papers on whether GMOs are good or bad for the world. This is a major grade.

What to do if you missed class one or more days: Read the GMO SPOC link for instructions. The final product will be posted in the google classroom.

What we did in class today: In groups or alone, we were given research about benefits or downsides of GMOs. The job was to summarize the information given to the group by the teacher and start to prepare a poster so that we can teach each other about the pros and cons of GMOs in the next few days.

What to do if you missed class: The assignment is described on this web page under GMOs Pros/ Cons. If you were gone or want to raise your grade, follow instructions there. E-mail me if you have questions or ask me in class.

Tuesday, April 10th

What we did in class today: We started filling in a graphic organizer describing pros and cons of Genetically Modified Organisms, or GMOs. We will continue that work over the next 2 days as we prepare to do a persuasive writing assignment on how good we think GMOs are for society.

What to do if you missed class today: On a sheet of paper or in your science notebook, take notes on the following film. Be able to tell the difference between how we modified crops in the past, and how we can do it today. That should prepare you for tomorrow’s work.

What to do if you have not finished the test yet: See Mr. Jamsa as soon as you are able and work something out.

Monday, April 2 – Wednesday, April 3

What we did in class today: We prepared for Thursday’s natural selection assessment.

What to do if you missed class on those days: Depending on what day you missed, you have different things you can do to help yourself prepare for the assessment. The test question is “Why is there so much biodiversity on the planet?”

On Monday we took notes on the overall process of evolution. They can receive a copy of those notes from Mr. Jamsa when they return to class.

On Tuesday, we watched an excellent film on the entire process of evolution. There is a link to the film in the Google classroom. All of the students should be signed up for the classroom right now. If not, the code is below.

Google Classroom Code: n4p8ma

There are two “assignments” in the classroom, and the link to the 11 minute film is attached to both of them. I would watch the first 11 minutes of the film MULTIPLE times and take notes. It is an EXCELLENT summation.

On Wednesday, we answered questions and did a review crossword. They can receive a copy of the review crossword upon request when they return.

Depending on how many days they were gone Monday – Wednesday, we can negotiate when they will work on the final assessment once they return and feel ready.

What we did in class today: In the computer lab, we played with a simulation that demonstrated natural selection.

If you missed class today: Follow directions after you click on the “phet natural selection” link on my web page. Play with the simulation for 15 minutes and write 3 things you learn from it.

Monday – Thursday, March 19 – 22

What we did in class today: We developed our Hunger Games arenas and outfits as we continue our studies of biomes, niches, and adaptations. This was a four day “test” of our knowledge of adaptations, biomes, following instructions, and teamwork.

If you missed class: Depending on how many days you missed, you might have to make up the test at home. The instructions for what to do at home are listed under the HOMEWORK link if you were not in class enough days to earn a grade on this test.